HPV vaccination and cancer prevention

The types of HPV that can cause cancer in the genital region, anal region, and throat are mostly spread through sexual contact. They can also spread from one part your genital skin or throat to another part of your genital skin or throat.

1. Get the HPV vaccine at the recommended age (ideally before becoming sexually active). Vaccination can prevent 90% of cervical and anal cancers and most other cancers caused by HPV. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you can have the HPV vaccine.
2. Use condoms whenever you can.  Consistent condom use can reduce (but not completely eliminate) the risk of getting HPV. The more consistently you use condoms, the more protected you will be. Using condoms 100% of the time reduces the risk of spreading HPV by about 70%.
3. A barrier method that reduces the risk of getting HPV during oral sex is a dental dam. Dental dams are latex or polyurethane sheets used between the mouth and vagina or anus during oral sex. A dental dam helps prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HPV.

Different countries have different guidelines about who should have the HPV vaccine. Check with your healthcare provider. The most important target groups are:

• girls and boys aged 9-14 years
• older adolescents and young adults who missed out when they were younger, typically up to age 26 years
• older adults can receive the HPV vaccine in some countries up to age 45 years
• high-risk groups (e.g. men who have sex with men; people living with HIV and people with reduced immunity for reasons other than HIV)

Yes. Over 200 million doses have been given. Serious side effects are very rare. You may have a sore arm at the site of the vaccine injection or feel dizzy. 

All government-approved HPV vaccines have been extensively and independently evaluated. All scientific evidence shows that these HPV vaccines are extremely safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) and virtually all countries in the world now recommend HPV vaccination. With hundreds of millions of doses distributed, no significant side effects have been identified other than the temporary reaction at the injection site.

Check with your healthcare provider. The HPV vaccine is sometimes offered in schools as well as healthcare or pharmacy settings.

Yes—regardless of sex or gender we are all at risk for HPV- it’s sexually transmitted. HPV can cause genital warts as well as cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and mouth/throat. HPV is also easily passed to sexual partners. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your children from genital warts and HPV-related cancers.  Vaccination is most effective when given prior to initiation of sexual activity. If you can, get your child vaccinated! 

Yes—regardless of sex or gender we are all at risk for HPV- it’s sexually transmitted. HPV can cause genital warts as well as cancers of the anus, penis and mouth/throat. HPV is also easily passed to sexual partners. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your children from genital warts and HPV-related cancers.  Vaccination is most effective when given prior to initiation of sexual activity.  If you can, get your child vaccinated!

Yes. The vaccine protects against any HPV types you have not yet been exposed to. Getting vaccinated might also protect your sexual partners. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you can have the HPV vaccine.

Yes. people living with HIV (PLWH) will respond to the vaccine in a similar way to people who do not have HIV. Vaccination of PLWH and other immunosuppressed individuals is highly recommended up to the age of 26 years because their increased risk of cancers dues to HPV. Some PLWH may benefit from vaccination after age 26, and you should talk with your healthcare provider.